Tom Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title amid ongoing eye issues

Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight title due to ongoing complications from an eye injury sustained nearly a year ago, a decision announced via Instagram that prioritizes the division's forward momentum over his own championship hold.

Aspinall has been sidelined since October, when an accidental double eye poke from Ciryl Gane during their bout forced a no contest. The British heavyweight underwent multiple eye procedures and has struggled to obtain medical clearance to return. Just as he appeared ready—having agreed to a fight date and resumed sparring—a new accident caused further damage to his right eye, compounding the issue with infections and additional surgical intervention.

Rather than continue to stall the heavyweight division's title picture, Aspinall elected to relinquish the belt. "I've had multiple surgeries, accidents, and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing," Aspinall wrote in his statement. "I've asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don't want to hold the heavyweight division up. I know what it's like to have your career put on hold, and I want the other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title."

Aspinall made clear he is not retiring, emphasizing his intent to return as soon as medical clearance permits. The decision opens the heavyweight championship for an interim or vacant-title bout, allowing other contenders to pursue gold while the former champion focuses on his recovery. Eye injuries, particularly serious ones requiring multiple procedures, typically demand extended medical evaluation before clearance—a timeline that could stretch months or longer.